Bankruptcy as an Answer to Inadequate Insurance Coverage During Hurricane Sandy

The water had barely subsided after Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012 when financial worries began to mount. Many families lost their homes and life savings to the wind, rain and storm surge.

Adding insult to injury, many of those affected had property insurance that proved inadequate. One homeowner in New Jersey posted a sign in front of his destroyed home that explained his insurance provider sent him a check for $37 after applying his $1,000 policy deductible.

With mounting costs that for some include paying mortgages on uninhabitable properties, in some cases compounded by job losses because of closed businesses, thousands of people in the path of Sandy continue to endure financial hardship a year later. The big numbers tell the story that is being played out one family at a time:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pumped 720 Olympic-size pools of muddy water from storm-affected neighborhoods.

New Yorkers paid about $100 per cubic yard for removal of debris from their properties.

Total damage from Sandy was $65 billion. The only more costly natural disaster in U.S. history was Hurricane Katrina, which also had a much higher loss of life.

Homeowners who lost everything in the storm might consider filing for bankruptcy as a means of protecting other assets. Depending on which county of New York the home was located, a homeowner exemption up to $150,000 can be claimed. Speak with a New York bankruptcy attorney about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filing options for post-Sandy recovery.

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Helping consumers make healthy financial choices Is Bankruptcy Right for You? The Law Office of Gregory Messer provides a wide range of services for individuals and families suffering from the weight of excessive debt. Attorney Gregory Messer personally works with you to set your mind at ease and relieve the strain financial woes have placed on your personal and professional lives. Deciding to file for bankruptcy can be difficult and scary, and our law firm is here to help make the process as easy as possible for you. While our courteous, knowledgeable staff members are available to answer any questions you may have, you spend the majority of your time dealing directly with Mr. Messer - a well-known, highly esteemed lawyer. An exclusive focus on bankruptcy law Gregory Messer can help you determine whether bankruptcy is right for you and, if so, what form is best to file. He has more than 30 years of experience representing debtors in: Chapter 7 bankruptcy Chapter 13 bankruptcy Mr. Messer also handles Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, debt consolidation procedures, and an array of other bankruptcy-related issues. Accolades Mr. Messer has received extensive recognition over the course of his legal career for his diligent, ethical nature. A panel trustee for the Chapter 7 Trustee Panel for the Eastern and Southern districts of New York since 1980; he became Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification in 1995. He is listed in Super Lawyers and the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™ and is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review RatedSM by Martindale-Hubbell®. Additionally, he has received multiple awards for service to those in need in the Brooklyn community. Comprehensive service from qualified counsel Reach out to the Law Office of Gregory Messer online or at 718-619-8282 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our office is located across the street from the U.S. District Bankruptcy Court in Brooklyn and is close to the Borough Hall and Court Street subway stations. We serve residents throughout New York City and Long Island. To ensure every client's filing receives the attention it deserves, we are an appointment-only law firm with flexible hours adjustable to fit your needs.

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